DR Congo displacement, health crisis worsens amid dwindling aid access
February 14, 2025
KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo – Displacement and health crises in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are worsening as aid organizations struggle to access affected areas due to insecurity and bureaucratic hurdles.
According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), over 5.5 million people in the DRC are internally displaced, the highest number in Africa. The majority of these displacements are driven by conflict and violence, particularly in the eastern provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri.
The conflict has also caused a severe health crisis, with millions of people lacking access to basic healthcare, clean water, and sanitation. The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) estimates that over 250,000 children under the age of five could die this year from preventable diseases.
Aid organizations are facing significant challenges in reaching affected populations due to ongoing insecurity and restrictions. Armed groups and local militias control many areas, making it dangerous for humanitarian workers to operate. Additionally, bureaucratic delays and corruption have slowed down the delivery of aid.
“The situation on the ground is dire, and people are dying from lack of basic necessities,” said Jean-Pierre Lacroix, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations. “We need to urgently address the access challenges and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those who need it most.”
The international community has called for an end to the violence and for all parties to respect humanitarian law. The UN Security Council has also authorized the deployment of a peacekeeping force to protect civilians and facilitate aid delivery.
However, the peace process remains fragile, and the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate. Aid organizations are urging donors to increase funding and to pressurize the warring parties to allow unhindered aid access.
“We cannot afford to wait any longer,” said Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees. “The people of the DRC need our help now, and we must not fail them.”
DR Congo displacement, health crisis worsens amid dwindling aid access
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